<a href="http://www slimming capsule.wvec.com/news/local/Virginia-Beach-considers-easing-Boardwalk-ban-on-dogs-251393961.html” target=”_blank”>Virginia Beach officials are considering lifting the currently-in-place ban on dogs on the boardwalk during the busy tourist season.
The ban currently forbids dogs on the city’s beachfront Boardwalk between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which is when the city sees the highest number of tourists in the area. The proposed relaxation of the law would allow pet owners to walk their dogs on the Boardwalk and nearby grassy area between six and ten in the morning; dogs would still be prohibited from the beach during the high tourism months. The City Council will vote soon on the measure.
It is important that we allow all citizens and tourists fair and equitable access to public places; however, it is also important that we balance such access with genuine public safety concerns. As a Virginia-based dog bite and dog attack lawyer, I know the risks that dogs can pose—especially dogs in crowded, busy, high-traffic areas—and so I sincerely hope that the city council examines this issue from all sides, ensuring that any new regulations or laws passed are considerate of the public’s right to safety. Most dogs are not vicious or dangerous—but a vicious or dangerous dog in a crowded area can pose a severe threat to a person’s life.
